How readable is your writing?


The Writing Voice exercise for June + more

Hi Reader,

Last time, I asked about your thoughts on AI. So many people responded—and, as you might guess, reactions to using generative AI were mixed.

We have many cautious adopters on this list, and most of you draw a firm line under using AI to write—at least, for the writing that matters.

Several people report using it for brainstorming and unblocking. One has experimented using AI for graphics for her blog (with mixed results).

  • Morgan uses it in her marketing job as an assistant: "Using it to take over repetitive tasks or to help push through a block is incredibly helpful."
  • Aha doesn't use it all all, saying "I have so many ideas to write I don't need AI." Love this!
  • Diana suggested the tool SubTxt, which uses AI to connect scenes in your work.
  • My friend Erin Lebacqz shared a useful way to construct AI writing prompts in this video.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts as we all tussle with this fast-changing technology.

This week let's focus on the human beings reading our words. How easy is it for people to read the stuff we write? The Writing Voice exercise for June is about reading levels. Have fun with it.

How readable is your writing?

If the average American reads at a 7th or 8th grade level, do you know where your writing falls?

This exercise gives you everything you need to know to tinker with your reading level. Have fun!

If you'd rather watch than read, here's a link to the YouTube video.

Register today for the Workbook Workshop

Want to write a workbook? Check out this small-group workshop in June. Registration closes June 11 or when we hit capacity, whichever happens first!

Learn more and register here.

The first assignment goes out Friday. If you're interested, jump in now so you'll have time to work before the first Zoom meeting on June 12th.

Do you need an accountability partner?

Occasionally people reach out to me for coaching when what they really need is accountability. Jane Friedman's blog as a wonderful post about how to build a successful "accountability" partnership with another writer.

Maybe give it a try this summer (or winter, if you are down under). Find another writer you can meet with. Online is fine, but in-person is more powerful.

And, if you already have an accountability partner, how does that work for you? I'd love to know.

Until next time, keep writing!

Anne


Want to support this email?

  • Share it with a writer friend. If someone forwarded this to you, sign up for your own copy at annejanzer.com.
  • Buy a Book: Expand your writing journey with titles like The Writer's Process and Writing to Be Understood. 📚

Your support means a lot to me! 💕

PO Box 66285 Scotts Valley, CA 95067


Unsubscribe · Preferences

Writing Practices

If you love writing (of all kinds) and want advice and inspiration, sign up for my every-other-week Writing Practice email. Join now for a free email consultation about your biggest writing problem/barrier.

Read more from Writing Practices
Logo

September's writing voice exercise Happy September, Reader! It doesn't matter how long I've been away from school calendars (a long time), or that the schools near me open their doors in early August—September always feels like a restart, a refresh, a return. Do you feel it, too? What will this new season bring to your writing life? Maybe this month's voice exercise will inspire you to explore. September's exercise: Playing with presence We cannot talk about writing voice without accounting...

Mid-August Writing Practices August greetings, Reader, I can practically feel the push-pull of September in these middle days of August. School has started, coaching clients are lining up, yet no one wants to give up on summer yet. I sure don't. This writing practice was inspired by hiking. Hope you find it fun and useful. The August give-away books My friend, I have done a terrible job of soliciting reviews for my last two books. The Writer's Voice is shy of the 50-review goal so many...

Logo

August's Writing Voice exercise Happy August, Reader! Because August should still be fun, this month's Writing Voice exercise should feel like play. At least, I hope it does! Try on a new voice (or three) How do we discover the depth and breadth of our own writing voice? Often, by trying on the voices of others. This month's exercise asks you to pick a few extreme characters and see how they might comment on your life. Click here to read the post online If you'd rather watch than read, watch...